Chocolate lovers delight at Gardens March 9-10

By Caiti Carrow

The first-ever Miami Fine Chocolate & Food Show has joined hands with CBS4’s Neighbors 4 Neighbors and the Miami Culinary Institute at Miami Dade College to produce a weekend of fine chocolate, food, art and entertainment on March 9-10 at Pinecrest Gardens.

“We created the Miami Fine Chocolate & Food Show to celebrate our culinary community in South Florida,” said founder Mario Pi. “It was important for us to give back with our partnership with a Neighbors 4 Neighbors, but also showcase the gourmet talents of chefs and chocolatiers in our South Florida restaurants, gourmet shops and more. The Miami Culinary Institute at MDC is the birthplace for the future generation of these talents so we are thrilled that their esteemed chef instructors will be leading our demonstration stage.”

Here’s what guests can expect at the Miami Fine Chocolate & Food Show:

MIAMI FINE CHOCOLATE SHOW—

Taste the finest in chocolate from around the country, including artful creations from Flying Noir (Mendocino, California) to handmade chocolates from local Venezuelan chocolatiers Cacao Art Chocolates. Artisan chocolatiers will have products available for purchase so attendees can take home their favorite truffles, bars, macaroons, and ganache. Other chocolate exhibitors include Barry’s Gourmet Brownies, Kallari, Mary O’Malley Chocolatier and Pacari.

An exclusive group of 20 artists have been invited to showcase their works along the Art Ally. Grab a bite from Restaurant Row and explore the works of local artists. DEMONSTRATION STAGE —

Presented by the Miami Culinary Institute, guests can enjoy over 20 hours of live demonstrations in the 500-seat Banyan Bowl

AMPHITHEATER —

A select group of Miami’s most talented chefs will provide culinary insight as they make dozens of the finest food and chocolate creations for attendees.

LIVE MUSIC —

Local talent will fill Pinecrest Gardens with music and entertainment as the perfect background to the gourmet gathering. In between tastings, guests can stop by the musical stage to take in the sounds of these artists.